Contributed

A horticulturalist with wide-ranging experience in both the public and private sectors has been named to lead North Carolina Cooperative Extension programs in Moore County.

The appointment of Stephen Greer, a commercial horticulture agent with Cooperative Extension in Forsyth County, was jointly announced by Sheri Schwab, associate director and director of county operations for the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service at North Carolina State University, and Cary McSwain, Moore County manager.

Greer succeeds Craven Hudson, who served as Moore County director for seven years. Hudson left the position to join the N.C. 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences program as executive director of development.

Greer has served as Cooperative Extension commercial horticulture agent in Forsyth County since 2003. Prior to joining the Forsyth County branch, he was resident horticulturalist for four years with the St. Joe Co., a resort and real estate development company in Jacksonville, Fla. Prior to that, Greer spent 13 years with Cooperative Extension as an agent in Davie and Gaston counties.

He has also worked with Green Blade Turfgrass Inc. in Hamilton, Ga., as a farm manager and for the Augusta National Golf Club, the site of the Masters golf tournament.

Greer holds a degree from Sandhills Community College as well as a bachelor's degree in plant sciences from Clemson University. He also holds a master's degree in agriculture education from North Carolina A&T State University.

"I am extremely excited about Stephen Greer's appointment as county Extension Director in Moore County," said Clinton McRae, director of Extension's South Central District, which includes Moore County. "Having grown up in the county, Stephen brings a special passion to serve the citizens. I am so happy that Stephen will be able to utilize his skills to serve the wonderful citizens of his home county. Moore County Cooperative Extension has a rich history of excellence and professionalism, and Stephen has the leadership skills to carry on that reputation."

Greer will begin his work in Moore County on Aug. 1.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension is an educational agency supported by county governments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, N.C. State University and North Carolina A&T State University.

Backed by specialists at the two land-grant universities, agents conduct educational programs related to agriculture and forestry, family and consumer sciences, 4-H, community and rural development.